Author: Dr V

  • Essay Paper Mains 2017

    Write two essays, choosing one from each section in about 1000 – 1200 words each.

    Section A

    1. Farming has lost the ability to be a source of substance for majority of farmers in India
    2. Impact of new economic measures on fiscal ties between the union and states in India
    3. Destiny of a nation is shaped in its classrooms
    4. Has the non alignment movement lost its relevance in a multipolar world?

     

    Section B

    1. Joy is simplest form of gratitude
    2. Fulfilment of new woman in India is a myth.
    3. We may brave human laws but can not resist natural laws
    4. Social media is inherently a selfish medium

     

     

    What do you think of this essay paper?????

    Which essay would you have attempted?

    What would the structure of your essays?

    Any special Points?

    Aspirants who would be writing mains next year and beyond should attempt these essays (try to structure the essays at least)  in the comments below.

  • Doubts Clearing Forum II

    UPDATE: Doubts Clearing Forum Part 1 helped a lot of aspirants in getting their doubts cleared. After a break, We are reviving/ relaunching the 2nd season of Doubts Clearing Forum. This time it’s even better as you can follow community members and ask them specific questions and they can follow you back and we can build a wonderful community which will keep you motivated and help you in your preparation

    So, here we go again!

    Ask any query here and get it resolved most satisfactorily, within next 48 hours, by our awesome community members and CD team. You won’t have to wait for your ‘aha moment’ to arrive.

    Have queries related to magazine, website or app?

    Wanna suggest any improvement?

    Go ahead and comment below!

     

    previous link – https://www.civilsdaily.com/doubts-clearing-forum/

     

  • Doubts Regarding Prelims 2107

    Hello friends
    I hope, your preparation of prelims 2017 is going well and you are doing great in CD test series.
    This thread is exclusively for those targeting prelims 2017. Ask any generic doubt like and get them clarified.
    Remember friends, don’t take prelims lightly. Many, who reach till interview, get into allied services bite the dust in prelims in next attempt. So, while holistic integrated study of prelims, mains and interview is necessary, taking prelims lightly would be a fool’s choice.

    Best luck

  • Filling Detailed Application Form (DAF)

    Hello Friends
    Congratulations to all those who have cracked prelims. You will have to fill DAF now to write your mains examination. It’s a very crucial document and most of your interview revolves around DAF. So every word you write in your DAF is very important.
    Though, I would do a detailed write up on how to fill DAF and some do’s and don’ts, this thread is an opportunity for all of you to get your doubts, if any, regarding filling up DAF clarified.

    Best luck

  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Science and Technology

    Subjects:

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Twelve Questions from science
    • Eleven from current affairs
    • Ten very doable
    • Three questions from space <NASA, MOM, Astrosat>
    • One from defence <Astradharini>
    • MOM question from way back in 2013

    1. With reference to ‘LiFi’, recently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It uses light as the medium for high-speed data transmission.
    2. It is a wireless technology and is several time faster than ‘WiFi.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Been in news for last 3 years
    • CD newscards
    • Common sense
    • Wifi wireless fidelity lifi light fidelity
    • So light as medium
    • Wireless, obviously faster, that’s why developing it
    1. In the context of the developments in bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refer to

    (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

    (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

    (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

    (d)A mechanism of genetic mutation taking place in cells

    • Simple biology – transcription is formation of M-RNA from DNA
    • Transcript is that m-RNA molecule
    • Transcriptome – easily option b
    1. ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to

    (a) Immunization of children and pregnant women

    (b) Construction of smart cities across the country

    (c) India’ own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational policy

    • Simple/ newscards/ explains
    • Vaccine against 7 dealt diseases
    1. ‘Project Loon’, sometimes seen in the news, is related to

    a) Waste management technology

    b) Wireless communication technology

    c) Solar power production technology

    d) Water conservation technology

    • News card/ explains
    • Balloons will reflect broadband signals

    5. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’ a breed found in India?

    1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometers in seawater.
    2. It survives by grazing on mangrows.
    3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

    Selected the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Difficult
    • Was in news not so prominently
    1. Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

    (a) Anadaman Islands

    (b) Anamalai Forests

    (c ) Maikala Hills

    (d)Tropical rain forest of northeast

    • Difficult
    • Andaman
    1. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

    Was in news plus common sense

    • Astra dharan karne wali
    • Ship holding weapons
    • Torpedoes
    1. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

    • In news
    • Electric plane by NASA
    1. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

    Viruses can infect

    1. Bacteria
    2. Fungi
    3. Plants

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Obvious. Can infect every organism
    • Bacteriophage, plant and fungus everyone knows
    1. India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

    (a)    It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation

    (b)    It can attain a global role in satellite navigation

    (c)    It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation

    (d)    It can build fusion reactors for power generation

    • Thermonuclear bomb – hydrogen bomb (think north korea)
    • Hydrogen bomb fusion
    • Answer fusion reactors

    11. With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.    Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
    2.    Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

    1. a)    1 only
    2. b)    2 Only
    3. c)    Both 1 and 2
    4. d)    Neither 1 nor 2
    • Apart from USA and Russia, India only country
    • What about EU??
    • False
    • 2000 kg
    • PSLV can’t launch very heavy satellites <can launch only upto 1650 kg>

    12  Consider the following statements:

    The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

    1.    is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
    2.    Made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
    3.    Made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbits the Mars in its very first attempt.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a)    1 only

    (b)    2 and 3 only

    (c)    1 and 3 only

    (d)    1, 2 and 3

    • 2nd only red flag# incorrect
    • 3rd also has red flag but it’s true. Was so much in news
  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Govt Policies and Programmes

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Six questions (8) from policies and programmes
    • Five questions (7) very simple/ doable
    • All five can be solved after reading CD newscards/ explains

     1. With reference to ‘Stand Up India Scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
    2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Simple/ newscards/ explains
    • Start up/ stand up
    • SC sT Wome entrepreneur stand up
    • Small Industry so refinance by SIDBI
    1. Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to

    (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide then with suitable sources of livelihood

    (b) release the sex workers from the practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood

    (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavenger

    (d) release the bonded labourers free their bondage and rehabilitate them

    • Difficult
    • Wasn’t in news/ sometime in 2011
    • Eradicating manual scavenging

    3. What is/are the purpose of ‘District Mineral Foundations” in India?

    1. Promoting mineral explorative activities in mineral-rich districts
    2. Protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations
    3. Authorizing State Governments to issue licenses for mineral exploration

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Simple/ CD explains/ Newscard

    • How will creation of foundation help state govt to issue licences? They can anyway issue license
    • Also foundation is non profit body for welfare of affected districts
    • Nothing to do with exploration but will be run by royalty from mined minerals
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/know-district-mineral-foundation/
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/pradhan-mantri-khanij-kshetra-kalyan-yojana-pmkkky/
    1. ‘SWAYAM’, an imitative of the Government of India, aims at

    (a) Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas

    (b) Providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

    (c) Promoting the education and health of adolescent girls

    (d) Providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

    • Study Web of active learning for young aspiring mind – simple education related
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/what-is-swayam/#post-94

    5. Regarding ‘DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.    It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
    2.    It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

    a)    1 only

    b)    2 Only

    c)    Both 1 and 2

    d)    Neither 1 nor 2

    • Simple/ common sense/ news card
    • Digi locker – Digital Locker/ digital India
    • Access e-documents online

    6.  Regarding ‘Atal Pension Yojana’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.    It is a  minimum guaranteed pension scheme mainly targeted at unorganized sector workers
    2.    Only one member of a family can join the scheme
    3.    Some amount of pension is guaranteed for the spouse for life after subscriber’s death.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a)    1 only

    (b)    2 and 3 only

    (c)    1 and 3 only

    (d)    1, 2 and 3

    2 is clearly wrong.

    You can add MUDRA and Gold Monetization scheme also in this section.

     

  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – International Affairs

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Seven Questions (9) from International Affairs
    • Four (6) from international organizations
    • All very easy, very doable
    • Every single question from CD newscards/ explains

    1. ‘Belt and road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of

    (a)    African Union

    (b)    Brazil

    (c)    European union

    (d)    China

    • Very very simple
    • So much in news /newscards/ explains
    • China – 21st century maritime silk road and silk road economic belt <OROB/ One rOad One Belt>

    2. Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

    a)    Iran

    b)    Saudi Arabia

    c)    Oman

    d)    Kuwait

    • CD explains
    • GCC 6 nations sunni monarchies
    • Arabian peninsula
    • Can exclude Iran by either clue
    1. ‘European Stability Mechanism’, sometimes seen in the news, is an

    (a)    agency  created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East

    (b)    agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

    (c)    agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade

    (d)    agency of EU to deal with the conflict arising among the member countries

    Very much in news related to Greek bailout

    4.‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontiercs)’, often in the news, is

    a) A division of World Health Organization

    b) A non-governmental international organization

    c) And inter-government agency sponsored by European Union

    d) A specialized agency of the United Nations

    • In news as US forces bombed their hospital in Afghanistan , a war crime
    • MSF was also in news as they provided assistance during Ebola crisis
    1. Consider the following statements:

    The India-Africa Summit

    1. Held in 2015 was the third such Summit
    2. Was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • In news
    • If it was 3rd, 1st can not be in 1951
    • It was started by PM Manmohan Singh

    6. With reference to ‘Organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’ consider the following statements:

    1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO
    2. It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons free emerging
    3. It provides assistance and protection to Stated Parties against chemical weapons threats.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1,2 and 3

    • 1 is clearly wrong, it’s an international organization not under EU. Tikdams
    • Eliminate 1

    7. Community sometimes mentioned in the news In the affairs of

    1. Kurd : Bangladesh
    2. Madhesi : Nepal
    3. Robingya : Myanmar

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 3 only

    • Very much in news
    • Kurds – Iraq due to ISIS attack/ Peshmerga force
    • Madhesi Nepal – Constitutional protest
    • Rohingya – Boat people

    You can add TPP and RCEP question which we solved in economy also in international relations w

  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Geography

    Subjects:

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Eight questions from geography <much less than the current trend of avg 15 questions>
    • Not a single question from physical geography or maps <my last minute tip of going through physical geography book>
    • Three questions from current affairs
    • Five questions very easy
    • Previous year papers, Newscards, Tikdams help

    1.  What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?

    1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive inter-national partnerships.
    2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
    3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    2. Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra?

    1. Dibang
    2. Kameng
    3. Lohit

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Repeat/ analysis of papers
    • Look at question no. 5 <which river flows from Arunachal asked in 2014>
    • Dihang and Lohit is common knowledge
    • Kameng is also true

    3. With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies, and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with cluster approach.
    2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have larger stake in this scheme.
    3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Moderate
    • 3rd is false as kit is not free.
    • I told you, whenever there is free thing, you need to think.
    • Also why would govt want to discourage commercial crops. No logic
    • Millet is grown mainly in rainfed areas by small and tribal farmers, thus they have larger stake. Plus assistance in this mission is provided to farmers with holding size <2 hectare
    • 1st is common sense, innocuous statement

    4. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
    2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. a) 1 only
    2. b) 2 Only
    3. c) Both 1 and 2
    4. d) Neither 1 nor 2
    • Red sanders smugglers plus shooting in Andhra Pradesh
    • Andhra meaning south INdia
    • No tropical rain forest in Andhra, it’s deciduous
    1. Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel?

    (a) Andhra Pradesh

    (b) Chhattisgarh

    (c) Karnataka

    (d) Rajasthan

    • Moderate as 2 options can be eliminated
    • Has to be a landlocked state
    • Eliminate Andhra and karnataka
    • Rajasthan is the answer, shipping port in Jalore t rann of kutch to arabian sea
    • Was in news from july to november
    • CD missed the news

    6. Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaking?

    a)    Cauvery and Tungabhadra

    b)    Godavari and Krishna

    c)    Mahanadi and Son

    d)    Narmada and Tapti

    1. Consider the following pairs:

    Famous place    Region

    1.    Bodhgaya    : Baghelkhand
    2.    Khajuraho    : Bundelkhand
    3.    Shirdi    : Vidarbha
    4.    Nasik (Nashik)    : Malwa
    5.    Tirupati    : Rayalaseema

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a)    1, 2 and 4

    (b)    2, 3, 4 and 5

    (c)    2 and 5 only

    (d)    1, 3, 4 and 5

    8. In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found?

    1.    Cambay Basin
    2.    Cauvery basin
    3.    Krishna-Godavari Basin

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a)    1 and 2 only

    (b)    3 only

    (c)    2 and 3 only

    (d)    1, 2 and 3

    • Very easy/ 2013 mains question / Cd explains
    • 6 basins in India
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/shale-gas-can-transform-energy-geopolitics-but-how/
  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Environment and Ecology

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Twenty one questions from environment and ecology portion <Trend is of about 20 questions – as per trend>
    • Not a single question from fundamentals of ecology – which I told you was very important
    • But a lot of questions from climate change and other agreements which I covered in short environment series and titbits and solved papers
    • Current affairs questions can be solved by CD
    • 16/21 very doable
    • Not a single wahiyaat question this year

    1. With reference to ‘Agenda 21’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a global action plan for sustainable development.
    2. It originated in the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Covered in primer on environmental issues very recently
    • Originated in Rio 1992
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/primer-to-environmental-issues/

    2. The term Intended Nationally Determined Contribution is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    a) Pledge made by the European countries to rehabilitate refuges from the war-affected Middle East.

    b) Plain of nation outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate changes.

    c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    d) Plain of action outlined by the countries of the regarding Sustainable Developments Goals.

    • Very easy
    • Nescards/ titbits/ explains
    • INDC towards the goal of preventing climate change/ sustainable development

    Roadmap For Paris Climate Talks: Part III

    3. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

    a) Sand deserts of northwest India

    b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

    c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

    d) Western Ghats

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/35th-national-games-kerala-who-was-the-mascot/

    if it’s the statebird of Kerala, must be found there i.e western ghats

    4. Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’?

    1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
    2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
    3. One of the Chief Ministers of the State through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • CD explains
    • Chaired by PM
    • Eliminate 3

    Look at question o. 27, statement 3

    UPSC Prelims : Environment and Ecology Analysis part 2

    [E&B Bodies #8] National Ganga River Basin Authority

    5. The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity
    2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities
    3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such indentified GIAHS

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Eliminate 3 by tikdam
    • Providing GI status to all varieties of crops is not possible
    • Eliminate 3, reach the answer
    1. Consider the following pairs:

    Terms sometimes seen in the news Their origin

    1. Annex-I Countries : Cartagena Protocol
    2. Certified Emissions Reductions : Nagoya Protocol
    3. Clean Development Mechanism : Kyoto Protocol

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Covered in environment series/ ecology titbits
    • Annex 1 – Kyoto
    • CER – Kyoto
    • CDM – Kyoto
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/unfcc-paris-via-kyoto/

    7. Which of the following best describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?

    1. Incorporating environment benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’.
    2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agriculture output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future.
    3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 Only

    (c) 3 Only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    8. With reference to pre-packaged items in India, it is mandatory to the manufacturer to put which of the following information on the main label, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging and Labeling) Regulations, 2011?

    1. List of ingredients including additives
    2. Nutrition information
    3. Recommendations, if any made by the medical profession about the possibility of any allergic reactions
    4. Vegetarian/non-vegetarian
    • Select the correct answer using the code given below
    1. a) 1, 2 and 3
    2. b) 2, 3 and 4
    3. c) 1, 2 and 4
    4. d) 1 and 4 Only
    • Kitte product se kitti duniya allergic, kya kya likhoge
    • Veg/ Non Veg to likhna hi hoga
    • Exclude 3, include 4

    10. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the

    a) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

    b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households

    c) installation of CNG kits in motor- cars

    d) installation of water meters in urban households

    • Net metering – solar rooftop
    • So excess electricity transferred to grid, bill would be of net metered consumption
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/solar-energy-the-emerging-sector/

    11. With reference to an initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is initiative hosted by UNEP, IMF and World Economic Forum.
    2. It is a global initiative that focuses on drawing attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity.
    3. It presents an approach that can help decision-makers recognize, demonstrate and capture the value of ecosystems and biodiversity.
    • Select the correct answer using the code given below
    1. a) 1 and 2 only
    2. b) 3 Only
    3. c) 2 and 3 only
    4. d) 1, 2 and 3
    • Difficult
    • 2 and 3 can be done by logic
    • But even 1 seems correct if we go by the flow
    • 1 is actually incorrect. No role of IMF

    12.‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to

    (a) Constitutional reforms

    (b) Ganga Action Plan

    (c) Linking of rivers

    (d) Protection of Western Ghats

    • Was in news longtime back
    • Very very easy – western ghats
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/states-stand-will-feature-in-the-final-notification-on-kasturirangan-report/

    13. Proper design and effective implementation of UN-REDD+ Programme can significantly contribute to

    1. Protection of biodiversity
    2. Resilience of forest ecosystems
    3. Poverty reduction
    • Select the correct answer using the code given below
    1. a) 1 and 2 only
    2. b) 3 Only
    3. c) 2 and 3 only
    4. d) 1, 2 and 3
    • REDD plus covered in environment series
    • Reduction of forest loss plus their rejuvenation
    • 1 and 2 obviously true
    • Poor get livelihood from forest produce – helps in poverty reduction

    14. What is ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol?

    a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions

    b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies

    c) It is an inter-governments agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022

    d) It is one of the multilateral REDD-initiatives hosted by the World Bank

    • Difficult
    • But 2 and 3 can be easily eliminated
    • 1 is correct

    15.  On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

    1.    Ceiling fans
    2.    Electric geysers
    3.    Tubular fluorescent lamps

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a)    1 and 2 only

    (b)    3 only

    (c)    2 and 3 only

    (d)    1, 2 and 3

    • Difficult to remember everything
    1.  Recently, for the first time in our country, which of the following State has declared a particular butterfly as ‘State Butterfly’?

    (a)    Arunachal Pradesh

    (b)    Himachal Pradesh

    (c)    Karnataka

    (d)    Maharashtra

    • June 2015 NEWS
    • CD missed this. They were just finding their feets then
    • Maharashtra – Blue Mormon
    • Sorry guys

    17. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1.    Carbon dioxide
    2.    Carbon monoxide
    3.    Nitrogen dioxide
    4.    Sulphur Dioxide
    5.    Methane
    • Select the correct answer using the code given below
    1. a)    1, 2 and 3 only
    2. b)    2, 3 and 4 Only
    3. c)    1, 4 and 5 Only
    4. d)    1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
    • Simple
    • Newscards/explains/titbits
    • Said umpteen times, CO2 not part
    • Remove co2

    18.  Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation?

    1.    Reduction in weed
    2.    Reduction in soil salinity
    3.    Reduction in soil erosion

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a)    1 and 2 only

    (b)    3 only

    (c)    1 and 3 only

    (d)    None of the above is an advantage of practicing drip irrigation

    • simple/ logical
    • Weed reduction as no water logging
    • Soil erosion loss as water in limited quantity only at subsurface level

    19.  Consider the following statements:

    1.    The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
    2.    The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a)    1 only

    (b)    2 only

    (c)    Both 1 and 2

    (d)    Neither 1 nor 2

    • CD  nescards/ explains
    • Not All but only tropical countries

    20. Consider the following statements:

    1.    The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
    2.    The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a)    1 only

    (b)    2 only

    (c)    Both 1 and 2

    (d)    Neither 1 nor 2

    • Very simple/ Covered in primer to environmental issues / CD explains/ Newscards
    • Were proposed in 2012 rio plus 20

    21. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1.    The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
    2.    The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 20C or even 1.50C above pre-industrial levels.
    3.    Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate S 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a)    1 and 3 only

    (b)    2 only

    (c)    2 and 3 only

    (d)    1, 2 and 3

    • 1000b$ bahut jyada ho gya, it’s a trillion dollar, itta to kabhi nhi milne wala
    • Fir 1t$ hi likh dete <it’s actually 100b$>
    • Eliminate3, reach the answer
  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Economy

    Subjects:

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Twenty four (24) Questions from economy – Only four really conceptual, rest on current happenings
    • Some questions whch may not be strictly economy questions but covered in economic survey are included here
    • Except for one question – IMF committee, all fairly easy
    • All 23 Questions can be solved by reading CD newscards/explainers/survey/holy bundle/ solved papers

    1. Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?

    1. Undernourishment
    2. Child stunting
    3. Child mortality

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 3 only

    • Covered in economic survey chapter
    • Four Indicators
    1. undernourished population
    2. Wasting in Under 5 children <wasting is very low weight for height i.e very thin child>
    3. Stunting in under 5 children <stunting is very low height for age i.e. very short child>
    4. Under 5 mortality rate

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/economic-survey-for-ias-volume-2-chapter-9-part-3-social-infrastructure-employment-and-human-development/

    Note that, it isn’t covered in original economic survey or in the summary of other institutions

    2. There has been a persistent deficit budget year after year. Which action/actions of the following can be taken by the Government to reduce the deficit?

    1. Reducing revenue expenditure
    2. Introducing new welfare schemes
    3. Rationalizing subsidies
    4. Reducing import duty

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1,2,3 and 4

    • Repeat / done in solved papers
    • Holy Bundle
    • Reduce expenditure – Rationalizing subsidies euphemism for cutting subsidies
    • More welfare schemes increases expenditure, would balloon up the deficit

    3. The establishment of “Payment Banks’ is being allowed in India to promote Financial inclusion. Which of the following statements is/are correct in this context?

    1. Mobile telephone companies and supermarket chains that are owned and controlled by residents are eligible to be promoters of Payment Banks.
    2. Payment Banks can issue both credit cards and debit cards.
    3. Payment Banks cannot undertake lending activities.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • CD explains
    • Mentioned umpteen times in topics to learn
    • Anyway 2 and 3 are contradictory. can either issue credit card i.e lend or not lend. Can’t do both simultaneously
    • Can not lend, it’s payment bank i.e for remittance, transfers etc.
    • Can invest only in govt securities
    • Statement 1 is obvious, airtel getting payment bank license

    4. Which one of the following is a purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?

    a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field or renewable source of energy.

    b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018

    c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time.

    d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies

    • Ujjawal Discom assurance Yojana
    • Cd explainer
    • Discom word only in option d

    5. With reference to ‘IFC Masala Bonds’, sometimes given below is/are correct?

    1. The International Financed Corporation, with offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
    2. They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 Only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • CD explains
    • World bank I did in detail, summary sheet sufficient, IFC one of the 5 organs of WB group
    • 2nd is also true – rupee denominated hence masala
    1. In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms ‘amber box, blue box and green box’ in the news?

    (a) WTO affairs

    (b)SAARC affairs

    (c)UNFCCC affairs

    (d) India-EU negotiations on FTA

    • Solved papers
    • WTO in detail article

    7. Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India?

    1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
    2. Loans received from foreign governments.
    3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Solved papers/ titbits/ holy bundle
    • Assets and loans given – Capital Expenditure
    • Loan received – capital receipt
    1. Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF’s SDR?

    (a) Rouble

    (b) Rand

    (c) Indian Rupee

    (d) Renminbi

    • Simple / CD explains/ newscards
    • Very much in news
    • Renminbi

    9.  With reference to the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), consider the following statements:

    1. IMFC discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy, and advises the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the direction of its work.
    2. The World Bank participates as observer in IMFC’s meetings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Difficult one/ not covered in our IMF article
    • Both the statements are true
    1.  Which of the following best describes the term “import cover”, sometimes seen in the news?

    (a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic product of a country

    (b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year.

    © It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries

    (d)It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves

    • Import cover – very simple
    • 25 Years of BOP crisis
    • Forex reserve to buy for imports – in 1991, it was sufficient only for 3 weeks – at present some 8 months
    • 25 years of BOP crisis

    11. With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:

    1. Under this scheme, farmers with have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
    2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.

    Which of the statements given about is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Cd explains/ holy bundle / red flag
    • Different rates for Kharif and Rabi
    • Post harvest losses covered – Pros over earlier schemes
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-min-premium-max-insurance/
    1. Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

    (a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

    (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

    (c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields

    (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops

    • Cd explains/ Economic survey
    • Neam coating reduces nitrogen losses from the soil
    • Also makes it difficult to divert for other activities
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/economic-survey-for-ias-chapter-08-reforming-the-fertiliser-sector/

    13. The term ‘Core Banking Solution’ is sometimes such in the news. Which of the following statements best describes/describe this term?

    1. It is a networking of a bank’s branches which enables customers to operate their accounts from any branch of the bank on its network regardless of where they open their accounts.
    2. It is an effort to increase RBI’s control over commercial banks through computerization.
    3. It is a detailed procedure by which a bank with huge non-performing assets is taken over by another bank.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • 3rd is incorrect
    • CBS has nothing to do with NPAs

    14. India’s ranking in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’ is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

    1. a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
    2. b) World Economic Forum
    3. c) World Bank
    4. d) World Trade Organization (WTO
    • Simple / Economic survey/ Newscards/ Cd explains
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/ease-of-doing-business/

    15. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.
    2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Simple/ CD explains/ Newscards/ Economic survey
    • It’s trade alliance
    • Not all countries are involved, where is colombia? Where is papua new guinea?
    • Can be done using redflag tidam
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/economic-survey-for-ias-chapter-08-preferential-trade-agreements/

    16. What is/are the purpose/purposes of the ‘Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR)’ announced by RBI?

    1. These guidelines help improve the transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining the interest rates on advances
    2. These guidelines help ensure availability of bank credit & interest rates which are fair to the borrowers as well as the banks

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    17. With reference to ‘Financial Stability and Development Council’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
    2. It is headed by the Union Finance Minister.
    3. It monitors macro prudential super-vision of the economy.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. a) 1 and 2 only
    2. b) 3 Only
    3. c) 2 and 3 only
    4. d) 1, 2 and 3
    • Simple/ CD newscard
    • Niti Ayog I said was important topic
    • You would know it isn’t part of NITI
    • CP – FM
    • Eliminate , include 2 – answer
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/fsdc-an-introduction/
    1. The term ‘Base Erosion and profit shifting’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of

    (a) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich by backward areas

    (b) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies

    (c )exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companie

    (d ) Lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning of development projects

    • Simple / Cd newscards/ Explains
    • Look at the newscards/ also a user question and my comment
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/story/black-money-the-economics-around-it/

    19. With reference to ‘Bitcoins’ sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.
    2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.
    3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Simple/ CD newscrads
    • 1 is clearly wrong. Central bankers are clueless
    • 2 and 3 are obviously true.
    • Anonymity means can be used in tax evasion/ drug trafficking etc
    • Look any is red flag but just as anyone with bank account can send money to anyone else with bank account, this statement is also true
    • https://www.civilsdaily.com/what-are-bitcoins/
    • Consider the following statements:

    20.

    1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
    2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    1. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as

    (a)    G20

    (b)    ASEAN

    (c)    SCO

    (d)    SAARC

    1. ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is prepared by the

    (a)    European Central Bank

    (b)    International Monetary Fund

    (c)    International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

    (d)    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

    1. PradhanMantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at

    (a)    Bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system

    (b)    Providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops

    (c)    Providing pensions to old and destitute persons

    (d)    Funding the voluntary organization involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation

    24. What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and Gold Monetization Scheme?

    1.    To bring the idle gold lying with India households into the economy
    2.    To promote FDI in the gold and jewelry sector
    3.    To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

    1. a)    1 Only
    2. b)    2 and 3 Only
    3. c)    1 and 3 only
    4. d)    1, 2 and 3
    • Simple/Common sense/news card/ explains/ mains question
    • http://www.thebetterindia.com/51742/gold-monetisation-scheme/
    • How and why will FDI come? No reason
  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Modern India

    Subjects:

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Only six questions from modern India <trend is of 6-7 questions only>
    • 5/6 very easy <as per trend>
    • All the questions from most important topics mentioned in our analysis of past years paper series
    • Can be solved by reading titbits and solved papers
    1. The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the

    (a) agitation against the Partition of Bengal

    (b) Home Rule Movement

    (c) Non-Cooperation Movement

    (d) visit of the Simon Commission to India

    • Very simple
    • Covered in titbits/ many times in solved papers
    • Swadeshi movement against partition of Bengal
    1. Satya Shodhak Samaj organized

    (a) a movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

    (b) a temple-entry movement in Gujarat

    (c ) an anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

    (e) A peasant movement in Punjab

    • Very simple
    • Lower caste movement by Mahatma Jyotiba Phule in Mahrashtra
    1. The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to

    (a) social reforms

    (b) educational reforms

    (c) reforms in police administration

    (d) constitutional reforms

    • Very simple / titbits/ solved papers
    • Constitutional reforms of govt of India act of 1909
    • Communal electorate

    4. Consider the following:

    1. Calcutta Unitarian Committee
    2. Tabernacle of New Dispensation
    3. Indian Reforms Association

    Keshab Chandra Sen is associated with the establishment of which of the above?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Difficult
    • But you must know everything about Ram Mohan roy
    • Calcutta Utilitarian association by him not Keshav Chandra sen
    • You could eliminate 2 options
    • You still had to know about 2, which is true
    1. What was the main reason for the split in the Indian National Congress at Surat in 1907?

    (a) Introduction of communalism into Indian politics by Lord Minto.

    (b) Extremists’ lack of faith in the capacity of the moderates to negotiate with the British Government

    (c) Foundation of Muslim League

    (d) Aurobindo Ghosh’s inability to be elected as the President of the Indian national Congress

    • Simple / titbits/ solved papers
    • Bengal agitation issues led to partition
    • Extremists didn’t have faith in moderates
    • A, c and d anyway are bogus options
    1. The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War

    (a)    India should be granted complete independence

    (b)    India should be partitioned into two before granting independence

    (c)    India should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth

    (d)    India should be given Dominion status

    • Done in Solved papers so many times
    • Dominion status by Cripps
    • There wasn’t even mention of complete independence
  • IAS prelims 2016 Solutions – Polity

    Subjects:

    IMP: Civilsdaily IAS Prelims 2017 Test Series Module Launched – Click here


    • Only five questions from polity.
    • Only three directly from Lamikant
    • All five were doable
    • Can be solved after reading titbits and past paper solutions

    1. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
    2. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Very simple question
    • Covered in tit-bits/ solved papers
    • No bill lapses on prorogation, otherwise GST bill would have lapsed so many times
    • Bill pending in RS, not passed by LS i.e originated in RS, pending in RS won’t lapse as new LS can still take decision on that bill after passage by RS

    2. Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chief Secretary in a State is appointed by the Governor of that State.
    2. The Chief Secretary in a State has a fixed tenure

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Very simple
    • Chief secretary govt officer £ would be appointed by the govt not governor £ remember Kejriwal/ Jung Controversy
    • No fixed tenure at state level <demand for fixing the tenure>
    • At the central level, assured tenure of 2 years for Cabinet, Home, defence, foreign secretary as well as RAW and IB chief

    3. With reference to the ‘Gram Nyayalaya Act’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. As per the Act, Gram Nyayalayas can hear only civil cases and not criminal cases
    2. The Act allows local social activists as mediators/reconciliators.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Very simple
    • Statement 1, only £ wrong, can also try criminal cases
    • 2nd is such an innocuous statement. Even high courts allow mediation. At village level, obviously social workers would be mediators
    1. The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passes by the

    (a)    LokSabha by a simple majority of its total membership

    (b)    LokSabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership

    (c)    RajyaSabha by a simple majority of its total membership

    (d)    RajyaSabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

    • Covered in titbits
    • Special powers of RS
    • Rs primacy over LS (Art 249 and 312)
    • Special majority of ⅔ present and voting

    5. Consider the following statements:

    1.    The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
    2.    A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution continues only for the remainder period.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1.    1 only
    2.    2 only
    3.    Both 1 and 2
    4.    Neither 1 nor 2
    • Simple
    • Panchayat – age 21 years
    • Panchayat term of 5 years. Regular election so prematurely constituted last only till next scheduled elections
  • IAS pre 2016 by Tikdams

    Over the last one month, I solved previous years papers with you in a way not done by most coaching. Solutions were not to provide you with additional information but to analyse the pattern, finding most important topics and solving papers with limited knowledge.

    Now I put my method to test of IAS pre 2016 –

    Many of these are easy questions and you may anyway have solved them but the point is what we had been doing for last 1 month was helpful in exam.

    So let the tidam begin

    1. TPP question
    • All pacific rim countries except USA and Russia
    • For maritime security only

    Only £ redflag £ pause and think £ false

    +2

    1. Gram Nyayalay

    Civil only not criminal

    Not even petty criminal cases?? Obviously false

    +2

    1. Astradharini
    • Astra dharan karne wali
    • Ship holding weapons
    • Torpedoes

    +2

    1. GCC
    • Iran is not in Arabian peninsula
    • Iran ki banti bhi nhi kisi se
    • Iran is not sunni monarchy

    +2

    1. Atal Pension Yojana
    • Only 1 member can join
    • Why not other members?
    • Everyone needs pension in old age
    1. Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
    • Thermonuclear bomb is hydrogen bomb – N. Korea claims
    • Hydrogen bomb – fusion

    +2

    1. INternational solar alliance
    • All members of UN
    • Obviously false

    +2

    1. Air Quality Index
    • Mentioned umpteen times by me in titbits and other places that CO2 not part of it. Just remember this much
    • Excluded c02

    +2

    1. Astrosat
    • Apart from USA and Russia, India only country
    • What about EU??
    • False
    • 2000 kg
    • PSLV can’t launch very heavy satellites

    +2

    1. Mars mission
    • India only country successful in 1st mission
    • Pause think
    • It’s true £ we took so much pride in that
    • Mark blindly

    -0.67

    1. Artificial sea port
    • Obviously only landlocked states would want this
    • Andhra and Karnataka eliminated
    1. Man who knew infinity
    • Infinity means mathematics
    • Only mathematician in option – Ramanujam

    +2

    1. Paris deal
    • Signed by all UN members
    • NOt even one did not sign?
    • False, eliminate 2 options
    1. Love story of son of Shunga dynasty
    • Swapanavasvadatta – swapan means dream, it’s about the dream
    • Ratnavali everyone knows is from the times f Harsha
    • Meghdootam – Megha – cloud
    • Love story male and female
    • Malvikaagnimitra – Malvika and Agnimitra

    +2

    1. OPCW
    • International body – why would it be under EU
    • Eliminate 1

    +2

    1. Fasal bima Yojana
    • 2% premium for any crop in any season
    • Any £ red flag £ rabi more premium

    17. GIHAS -Globally important heritage system

    • Provide GI status to all varieties
    • Seriously, GI to all!
    • Eliminate it,

    +2

    • Did it help you? How many marks are you in positive? Please let us know.
    • If it harmed you? How many marks? Please also let us know, why do you think it harmed you?

    Wish you all the success

  • Last Day Before Prelims

    And just like that D day is finally upon us.

    Most of you would be wondering what gyaan can I give you a day before the exam. And frankly there is nothing much to say. Just a few general things I wanted all of you to know. As time is of utmost essence I will keep the post very short.


    First thing first, don’t panic – Trust me you all know enough to score 110+ in 2015 type paper or 100+ in 2014 like paper but all of you won’t score that much. You would make mistakes. So onus is upon you to make sure you give your best. And you can give your best only if you don’t panic.

    But that does not mean, you should experience no arousal, no anxiety. Optimum performance is achieved only in the zone of optimum arousal.


    Think of a stage artist, he generally performs much better in front of live audience than he does sitting at home. Audience gives him that necessary arousal. Similarly exam setting must give you that kick that takes your performance higher than what you achieved in mocks.

    After that it’s important to be ready for the exam –So don’t wait for the evening and –

    • get your admit card printed if you have not already
    • Read all the instructions carefully and
    • arrange all the necessary stuff – ball point pen of required colour, photographs, id card, watch, chocolates, cashew, almonds etc.
    • Finalize your attire – comfortable and also the one which makes you feel good about yourself.
    • Finalize your transport arrangement and the timings ( leave well before time)

    What to do in the day and night

    • Simple revise, revise, revise.
    • Do not discuss, do not argue.
    • Firstly revise the mistakes you had made in the various mock test papers.
    • Current affair notes of yours
    • Curry affairs – science – tech and international – June to Feb
    • Spectrum – modern India summary of chapters
    • Just flip through the pages of 2 NCERTs of geography – look at all the maps
    • Polity and ecology titbits
    • Economy solved papers –
    • go through economics concepts simplified bundle very quickly – don’t take more than an hour
    • Any other thing you find important

    This should fill up your day.

    Go to bed early at night. Have a good night of sleep. I know it can be difficult but at least lie down on the bed with your eyes closed and do not get up.

    Check your stuff once again in the morning. Leave for the centre well before time.


    In the exam hall –

    • Fill up your details correctly
    • Don’t argue with invigilators
    • 2 hours is more than enough for general studies paper – so don’t worry about the time ‘- fir bhi do analyse where you are after half an hour
    • Don’t target a specific number of marks or attempts
    • In the 1st go of half an hour or so – mark all those you are sure of
    • Then start using all the tikdams, logical guesses, elimination – everything we learnt with utmost caution
    • Don’t be too conservative in your marking – but don’t make blind guesses
    • Read questions carefully and options even more carefully
    • Fill up your OMR sheet with even more care
    • Come out of the exam hall cheerful
    And just like that you will ace the paper 1

    CAST apne aap sambhal loge 

    Always remember

    Let it be known to everyone, how badly you want this service.

    I wish you all the very best for the exam. Go there – express yourself.

  • UPSC Prelims : Science and Technology Analysis part 3

    Subjects:

    1. To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on Thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does Thorium hold over uranium?

    • 1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium
    • 2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium.
    • 3. Thorium produces less harmful waste in comparison to uranium.

    Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?

    • [A]1 Only
    • [B]2 & 3 Only
    • [C]1 & 3 Only
    • [D]1,2 & 3
    • 1 is true everyone knows that <monazite sands>
    • 3rd is also true, No risk of proliferation with thorium
    • 2nd is also true as it is wrt per unit mass of mined mineral <4times more energy>

    2. Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its importance?

    • 1. It is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.
    • 2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.
    • 3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.
    • 4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ required for touch screens, LeOs and organic LEOs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    • [A]1 and 2 only
    • [B]3 and 4 only
    • [C]1, 2 and 4 only
    • [D]1,2,3 & 4
    • Graphene is carbon not silicon
    • eliminate 2
    • Others all true, Nobel prize was awarded for graphene that time

    3. Lead, ingested or inhaled, is a health hazard. After the addition of lead to petrol has been banned, what still are the sources of lead poisoning?

    • 1. Smelting units
    • 2. Pens and pencils
    • 3. Paints
    • 4. Hair oils and cosmetics

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    • [A]1,2 & 3 only
    • [B]1 and 3 only
    • [C]2 & 4 only
    • [D]1,2,3 & 4
    • Lead in pencils and pens seriously!
    • Don’t get fooled by term lead pencil
    • Eliminate 2, reach the answer

    4. With reference to ‘stem cells’ frequently in the news, which of the following statements is / are correct?

    • 1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only
    • 2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.
    • 3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    • [A]1 & 2 Only
    • [B]2 & 3 Only
    • [C]3 Only
    • [D]1,2 and 3
    • 1st statement, only, read flag, pause and think.
    • What’s wrong with birds or other animals and plants?
    • Obviously wrong
    • Eliminate 1
    • 2 is true, drug testing on cells, make tissue from stem cells and test drugs

    5. Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

    • 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
    • 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
    • 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • [A]1 Only
    • [B]2 & 3 Only
    • [C]1 & 3 Only
    • [D]1,2 & 3
    • 2nd not found in any other country, not even an ounce. It’s not possible, Rare earth is found in India also
    • 3rd is true, electronics etc
    • eliminate 2, include 3

    6. A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory including those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/ implications of the creation of anti-matter?

    • 1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper.
    • 2. It will help probe the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter.
    • 3. It will help understand the evolution of the universe.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    [A]1 Only

    [B]2 & 3 only

    [C]3 Only

    [D]1,2 & 3

    • This matter/ anti matter things is of quantum physics , to know about universe so 1st statement mineral prospecting and all is incorrect
    • 2 and 3 are true by the same logic

    7. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth?

    • [A]The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles
    • [B]Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space
    • [C]Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth[D]None of the statements (a), (b) and (e) given above is correct
    • See similar question asked this year in CAPF about magnetic lines converging at the poles
    • So diverted at the pole
    • That’s why auroae

    8. Consider the following statements If there were no phenomenon of capillarity

    1. it would be difficult to use a kerosene lamp

    2. one would not be able to use a straw to consume a soft drink

    3. the blotting paper would fail to function

    4. the big trees that we see around would not have grown on the Earth

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A]1, 2 and 3 only

    [B]1, 3 and 4 only

    [C]2 and 4 only

    [D]1, 2, 3 & 4

    • While using straw, we consume our own energy, we suck fluid, no use of capillary action
    • Eliminate option 2
    1. That completes your science tech. I think you are good to go now.
    2. Go there express yourself.
    3. Sorry for not being able to complete art and culture part
    4. Do login the morning for a useless article about last day and exam hall plan
  • UPSC Prelims : Science and Technology Analysis part 2

    Subjects:

    Pre 2014

    1. Which of the following is/are the example/examples of chemical change?

    1. Crystallization of sodium chloride
    2. Melting of ice
    3. Souring of milk

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None
    • 1 is crystallisation, so only physical form is changing not chemical
    • Same with melting of ice h20 remains h20
    • Souring of milk, chemical Composition changes as there’s acidification

    2. Consider the following diseases

    1. Diphtheria
    2. Chickenpox
    3. Smallpox

    Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None
    • Small pox everyone knows
    • Chickenpox is an innocuous disease. Many of you may have contacted chicken pox during childhood
    • Diphtheria vaccine aaj bhi DPT. Don’t say polio has been eradicated but uski vaccine bhi so funda bekar

    3. Consider the following pairs :

    Vitamin Deficiency disease
    1. Vitamin C Scurvy
    2. Vitamin D Rickets
    3. Vitamin E Night blindness

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 3 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3
    4. None
    • 7th std science
    • Vitamin A – night blindness
    • C – scurvy
    • D – rickets
    • B1 – vetiver
    • b3 – niacin – pallegra

    4. In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person?

    1. Iris scanning
    2. Retinal scanning
    3. Voice recognition

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • Common sense
    • All are unique. All can be used

    5. Which of the following pair is/are correctly matched?

    Spacecraft Purpose
    1. Cassini-Huygens Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
    2. Messenger Mapping and investigating the Mercury
    3. Voyager 1 and 2 Exploring the outer solar system

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • Cassini – Saturn very famous
    • Learn about recent missions of NASA and ISRO

    Pre 2013

    1. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?
    1. Chikungunya
    2. Hepatitis B
    3. HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • Tattooing ie disease due to needle I. E blood
    • Chikungunya we know is due to mosquito bite
    • Eliminate it and reach the answer
    • Hepatitis b and hiv are due to blood transfusion among other things
    1. Consider the following minerals
    1. Calcium
    2. Iron
    3. Sodium

    Which of the minerals given above is/are required by human body for the contraction of muscles?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction
    • Sodium for transmission of impulse
    1. Which of the following statements is / are correct?
    1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy.
    2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium.
    3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • 2 is incorrect. Virus can not be cultured in any synthetic medium. Any is red flag.
    • Similarly only is red flag in statement 3. Pause and think of other vectors
    1. Recombinant DNA technology (Genetic Engineering) allows genes to be transferred
    1. across different species of plants
    2. from animals to plants
    3. from microorganisms to higher organisms

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • Simple
    • Can be transferred from anywhere to anywhere
    1. Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by
    1. bacteria
    2. protozoa
    3. moulds
    4. viruses

    Fungus/ mould. Aspergillus Flavis

    6  Fruits stored in a cold chamber exhibit longer storage life because

    1. exposure to sunlight is prevented
    2. concentration dioxide in the is increased of carbon environment
    3. rate of respiration is decreased
    4. there is an increase in humidity
    • For longer shelf life, metabolic rate is to be reduced
    • Decreased rate of respiration helps in that
    • Increase humidity, high co2, exposure to sunlight is crap. It can be achieved in other ways also without needing cold chamber
    1. Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because
    1. the new soil does not contain favorable minerals
    2. most of the root hairs grip the new soil too hard
    3. most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
    4. leaves get damaged during transplantation
    • 1 is crap. We can artificially add minerals to the new soil. It has to be about transplanted plant
    • 2nd – why would it occur? No idea
    • 3rd is very plausible. And loss of root hairs will prevent growth

    8. Which of the following leaf modifications occurs/occur in desert areas to inhibit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves
    2. Tiny leaves or no leaves
    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

    NCERT ecological portion or common sense

    9. Ball bearings are used in bicycles, cars, etc.because

    1. The actual area of contact between the wheel and axle is increased
    2. The effective area of contact between the wheel and axle is increased
    3. The effective area of contact between the wheel and axle is reduced
    4. None of the statements is correct
    • It is to reduce friction
    • Less effective area of contact, less friction force
    • In any case b and c are contradictory, one has to be true unless you think it has no relations with effective area

    10. Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Size of the sun at dusk
    2. Colour of the sun at dawn
    3. Moon being visible at dawn
    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 3, 4 and 5
    3. 1, 2 and 4
    4. 2, 3 and 5
    • Polestar we all know is for real and not am optical illusion.
    • Eliminate 5
    • We also know stars are like sun. As the Sun doesn’t twinkle, stars also should not but they do. That’s optical illusion

    11. Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain.

    Which of the following physical phenomena are responsible for this?

    1. Dispersion
    2. Refraction
    3. Internal reflection

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

    9th std physics

    Water droplets act as prisms, refract and disperse the light, light is then reflected internally (total internal reflection) and then refract again while coming out of raindrops.

    12. The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz, gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. with reference to them, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    1. Gravity is the strongest of the four
    2. Electromagnetism act only on particles with an electric charge
    3. Weak nuclear force causes radioactivity
    4. Strong nuclear force holds protons and nutrons inside the nuclear of an atom.
    • Gravitational force is the weakest so 1st is untrue
    • Regarding 2nd. Only red flag. Pause and think. Does it act Only on charged particles? I am not sure ?
    • Strong nuclear the strongest

    13. The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is /are the importance/importance of discovering this particle?

    1. It will enable us to understand as to why elementary particles have mass.
    2. It will enables us in the near future to develop the technology to transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them.
    3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    • Was very much in news
    • 1st is easily true.
    • 3rd is false. How can it create better fuel for fission?
  • UPSC Prelims : Science and Technology Analysis part 1

    Subjects:

    Science and technology portion constitutes an important part of CSE prelims.

    Weightage of science and technology

     

    • 2015 – 9
    • 2014 – 5
    • 2013 -13
    • 2012 – 9
    • 2011 – 18

    But the syllabus is vast and standard thing of reading NCERT books does not apply here as it’s very difficult for non science background people to learn NCERT physics, chemistry, biology 12th std. UPSC also does not ask questions of 11th 12th standard and if any such question is asked, don’t even try to attempt that question.

    • Having said that, 6th to 8th std NCERT remains important to clear basic concepts or you can just skim through the general science notes of any coaching classes.
    • Use your logic to the full for science is nothing if not logical.
    • Technology questions are primarily current affairs based and do not require in depth understanding.

    Things to be done in these last 2 days

    • Just go through science and technology current affairs from June to February
    • Go through previous year questions

    IAS Pre 2015

    1. With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology
    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Both the statements seem true
    • There is no good reason for any of them to be untrue.
    • Targeted drug delivery i.e delivering drug to the site of action not to all organs by some how nano tagging the drug
    • Gene therapy again by somehow nano tagging the gene
    • 2. With reference to ‘fly ash’ produced by the power plants using the coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction
    2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete
    3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 3 only

    We have done this in environment section

    1. Among the following which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?

    (a) Syria and Jordan

    (b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia

    (c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea

    (d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam

    Was very much in news

    • Even if you only knew that it affected Africa which I suppose everyone knows, you would be good to go.
    • Jordan, Syria in Asia
    • Jamaica, Haiti in Caribbean
    • Philippines Asia
    • You see, the stupid examiner is trying to play with words. Syria sierra, Guinea papua new guinea etc

    4. In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news :

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter
    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1,2 and 3 only

    • Current affairs, was in news
    • If you know about neutrino, Indian neutrino observatory, you would know they are set up at places where there is minimum disturbance like deep inside earth
    • Now it’s ice cube so a and c seem right
    • Neutrino search and understanding of dark natter is realted
    • Anyway you should have read the news and no need for these useless tikdams

    5. With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields
    2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other
    3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1,2 and 3

    • Near field so would obviously be contactless. You must have seen this during billing in  grocery stores
    • Even a meter meaning long distance, it’s near field so untrue statement.
    • 3rd has to be true. it’s such an innocuous statement.
    • In any case include 1, exclude 2, reach the answer
    1. The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of

    (a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

    (b) regions inside the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) search for meteorites containing precious metals

    • Was in the news related to exoplanets
    • 1st is rubbish
    • 4th is also rubbish
    • B/w 2 and  you can be confused
    • But 2nd – what regions inside earth like planets would be goldilock?
    • 3rd is true as earth like planets which are presents in zones called goldilock can be habitable
    1. The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news, is the name of?

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

    • Current affairs
    • CD newscards
    • Or common sense. IndARC – India arctic
    1. H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

    (a) AIDS

    (b) Bird flu

    (c) Dengue

    (d) swine flu

    • Was in news, many death in Delhi in the month of Feb, March
    • AIDS virus you know is HIV.
    • Dengue you know is dengue virus
    • Bird flu is h5n1
    • Swine flu h1n1
    1. With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

    1.The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

    1. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Covered in environment section
    • Not by fungi but bacteria
    • Why only ammonia and water vapour, what about other gases?

    10. With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity. Consider the following statements:

    1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
    2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
    3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Covered in environment section
    • Cells produce dc not AC
  • CAPF 2016 General Science Solutions and Analysis

    Subjects:

    This is solution of CAPF science portion, You need not worry about difficult physics questions as they won’t be asked in civil services examination. Just focus on how to solve with limited knowldge

    1. Which of the following statements is correct?
    1. Gravitational waves were predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 on the basis of his theory of General Relativity
    2. Gravitational waves do also exist in the Newtonian theory of Gravitation
    3. Gravitational Waves are to be detected by very sensitive detectors known as Interferometes
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • Very much in news
    • CD newscards and explainers cover everything
    • In any case, 2nd statement is false as quantum physics is not in Newtonian mechanics

    2. Who among the following scientists of Indian origin is / has been the President of Royal Society?

    (a) Ronald Ross
    (b) Har Gobind Khorana
    (c) Chandrasekhara Venkata Ramana
    (d) Venkataraman Ramakrishnan

    • Useless question
    • Not doable

    3. A change of state directly from solid to gas without changing into liquid state is called:

    (a) Fusion
    (b) Sublimation
    (c) Diffusion
    (d) Emulsion

    • 5th standard science
    • Eg. camphor

    4. Water at 273 K is less effective in cooling than ice at the same temperature. It is because :

    (a) water is difficult to handle
    (b) water at 273 K has less energy than ice at the same temperature
    (c) water at 273 K has more energy than ice at the same temperature
    (d) water is not a cooling agent

    • Common sense
    • Cooling means energy should be transferred to coolant. Less energy means more energy could be transferred hence more coiling
    • Easily the c
    • In any case b and c are contradictory, one has to be true

    5. Which one of the following is not a colloid?

    (a) Milk
    (b) Mud
    (c) Butter
    (d) Boric acid

    • Even if you don’t know anything, you can easily spot odd one out
    • Crystals form pure solution while colloids don’t
    • Milk, mud, butter easily colloid

    6. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) Bleaching powder is prepared by the action of Chlorine on dry slaked lime [Ca(OH)2]
    (b) Bleaching powder acts as a reducing agent in many chemical industries
    (c) Bleaching powder is also known as chlorinated lime
    (d) Bleaching powder is used for disinfecting drinking water

    • Bleach – Ca(OH)2 . is oxidizing agent
    • All fashion conscious people know this
    • Even if you don’t know this, it can not act as reducing agent, it gives oxygen hence oxidizing

    7. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
    (a) Graphite is a non-metal
    (b) Graphite is an allotrope of carbon
    (c) Graphite is a conductor of electricity
    (d) Graphite has a tetrahedral structure

    • Graphite is carbon, allotrope, non metal, 1 and 2 easily true
    • Conductor of electricity – reason for its widespread use
    • It’s hexagonal – 6th std science
    • So many questions have been asked on Graphite and graphene

    8. Consider the following physical quantities: Energy , power, pressure, impulse, temperature, gravitational potential
    Which of the above is / are the vector quantity / quantities ?

    (a) Impulse only
    (b) Impulse and pressure only
    (c) Impulse , temperature and pressure
    (d) Gravitational potential

    • 9th std science
    • Temperature can not be vector
    • Vector is associated with a specific direction like velocity, force
    • Pressure is in all directions not a vector
    • Impulse is
    • Though it’s given in class 11 NCERT, you don’t need to read that

    9. A piece of stone tied to a string is made to revolve in a circular orbit of radius r with other end of the string as the centre. If the string breaks, the stone will:
    (a) move away from the centre
    (b) move towards the centre
    (c) move along a tangent
    (d) stop

    • Newtonian laws of motion
    • Inertia principle <will move in the initial direction>
    • You would have observed this
    • Again 9-10th std physics

    10. Which one of the following statements is not true?

    (a) The gravitational force of earth acting on a body of mass 1 kg is 9.8 newton
    (b) The force acting on an object of mass 5 kg moving with a uniform velocity of 10 m/s on a frictionless surface is zero
    (c) The SI unit of weight is kg
    (d) The momentum of a man having mass 100 kg walking with a uniform velocity of 2 m/s is 200 newton second

    • Kg is unit of mass
    • Weight is force so unit would be newton

    11. Which one of the following statements is correct?

    (a) Acceleration due to gravity decreases with the increase of altitude
    (b) Acceleration due to gravity increases with the increase of depth [assuming earth to be a sphere of uniform density]
    (c) Acceleration due to gravity decreases with the increase of latitude
    (d) Acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the Earth

    • Easy peasy 1st option
    • You move away from a body, gravitational force would decrease
    • Increase in altitude, away from earth. Don’t worry about other options
    • But now learn them too

    12. A Barometer kept in an elevator reads 760 mm when the elevator is at rest. When the elevator moves in the upward direction with increasing speed, the reading of the Barometer will be :
    (a) 760 mm
    (b) < 760 mm
    (c) > 760 mm
    (d) Zero

    • Difficult question
    • Don’t think too much
    • You can apply your effective weight of m(g+a) to solve the problem

    13. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) The earth’s magnetic field is due to the motion of metals like iron and nickel in the core of the earth
    (b) The magnetic field lines of force are widely separated near the poles of a magnet but these lines come closer to one another at other places
    (c) If the cross sectional area of a magnetic field increases, but the flux remains the same, the flux density decreases
    (d) When the speed of a conductor moving through a magnetic field is increases, the included voltage increases

    • You would have seen the images
    • Magnetic lines converge at the poles

    14. Let a resistor having 4 ohm resistance be connected across the terminals of a 12 volt battery. Then the charge in coulomb passing through the resistor per second is :
    (a) 12
    (b) 4
    (c) 3
    (d) 0.33

    • V = IR
    • Current would be 3

    15. Arrange the following substances in their order of increasing hardness:
    1. Gypsum
    2. Topaz
    3. Fluorite
    4. Feldspar
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 4-3-2-1
    (b) 1-3-4-2
    (c) 3-4-2-1
    (d) 1-4-3-2

    • NCERT physical geography
    • Gysum would be the softest so you could easily eliminate 2 options

    P.S. – Solutions of CSE pre 2013, 2014 ad 2015 with brief analysis will be at your desk by midnight

    P.P.S. – Don’t be scared of science and technology

  • UPSC Prelims : Environment and Ecology Analysis part 5

    2011 UPSC Prelims Questions and Solutions

    1. Biodiversity forms the basis for human existence in the following ways :
    1. Soil formation
    2. Prevention of soil erosion
    3. Recycling of waste
    4. Pollination of crops

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a.) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b.) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c.) 1 and 4 only

    (d.) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • Common sense.
    • Soil formation by humus
    • Prevention  of soil erosion by plants
    • Pollination by birds
    • All 4 options indirectly asked in previous year papers
    1. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora? 

    (a.) Biosphere Reserve

    (b.) Botanical Garden

    (c.) National Park

    (d.) Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Covered in tut bits
    • Ridiculously Easy
    • You can also easily spot odd option out
    1. Consider the following statements:
    1. Biodiversity is normally greater in the lower latitudes as compared to the higher latitudes.
    1. Along the mountain gradients, biodiversity is normally greater in the lower altitudes as compared to the higher altitudes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a.) 1 only

    (b.) 2 only

    (c.) Both 1 and 2

    (d.) Neither 1 nor 2

    • Simple common sense.
    • Compare equator with poles
    • Compare hill slopes / valleys with mountain  peak
    1. Three of the following criteria have contributed to the recognition of Western Ghats-Sri Lanka and Indo-Burma regions as hotspots of biodiversity:
    1. Species richness
    2. Vegetation density
    3. Endemism
    4. Ethno-botanical importance
    5. Threat perception
    6. Adaptation of flora and fauna to warm and humid conditions

    Which three of the above are correct criteria in this context?

    (a.) 1, 2 and 6

    (b.) 2, 4 and 6

    (c.) 1, 3 and 5

    (d.) 3, 4 and 6

    Simple, covered in tit bits

    Areas with high endemic biodiversity at the risk of extinction

    1. Two important rivers — one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha — merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a.) Bhitarkanika

    (b.) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c.) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d.) Simlipal

    • Covered in geography
    • Bhutarkanika asked time and time again
    1. A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal?

    (a.) Indian wild buffalo

    (b.) Indian wild ass

    (c.) Indian wild boar

    (d.) Indian gazelle

    • Simple, asked before
    • Indian wild as, critically endangered
    • Found in rann of kutch
    1. The Himalayan Range is Very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

    (a.) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth

    (b.) It is a confluence of different bio-geographical zones

    (c.) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region

    (d.) It has less human interference

    Covered in geography

    1. In the Union Budget 2011-12, a full exemption from the basic customs duty was extended to the bio-based asphalt (bioasphalt). What is the importance of this material?
    1. Unlike traditional asphalt, bio-asphalt is not based on fossil fuels.
    2. Bioasphalt can be made from non-renewable resources.
    3. Bioasphalt can be made from organic waste materials.
    4. It is eco-friendly to use bioasphalt for surfacing of the roads.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a.) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b.) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c.) 2 and 4 only

    (d.) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • Bio so you can guess it’s not based on fossil fuels
    • So made from renewable resources not non renewable
    • Organic waste material is bio
    • Renewable is of course eco friendly
    • Eliminate statement 2
    1. Consider the following:
    1. Carbon dioxide
    2. Oxides of Nitrogen
    3. Oxides of Sulphur

    Which of the above is/are the emission/ emissions from coal combustion at thermal power plants?

    (a.) 1 only

    (b.) 2 and 3 only

    (c.) 1 and 3 only

    (d.) 1, 2 and 3

    • Simple,
    • Coal us not pure so oxides of nitrogen and sulfur would also be emitted
    • See, similar question on quality of coal was asked couple of years later
    1. The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?

    (a.) Presence of prominent tropo-spheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

    (b.) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric’ clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

    (c.) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons

    (d.) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming

    • B and c are contradictory, one true
    • You know about polar front and stratospheric clouds from your geography
    1. Regarding “carbon, credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a.) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol

    (b.) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota

    (c.) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission

    (d.) Carbon credits are- traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme

    • Price is always market determined that’s why price keeps on fluctuating
    • D is obviously incorrect
    • Other 3 statements are true, basic common sense 2 and 3
    • Statement 1 is common knowledge
    1. There is a concern: over the increase in harmful algal blooms in the seawaters of India. What could be the causative factors for this phenomenon?
    1. Discharge of nutrients from the estuaries.
    2. Run-off from the land during the monsoon.
    3. Upwelling in the seas.

    Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

    (a.) 1 only

    (b.) 1 and 2 only

    (c.) 2 and 3 only

    (d.) 1, 2 and 3

    • Eutrophication/ algal bloom
    • Basically whatever leads to high nutrient concentration in sea/lake
    • 1 is obvious
    • Run off would lead to nutrient discharge from farms/ fertilisers etc.
    • Upwelling leads to arrival of cold nutrient rich water on surface

    12  The “Red Data Books” published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of:

    1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots,
    2. Threatened plant and animal species.
    3. Protected sites for conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a.) 1 and 3

    (b.) 2 only

    (c.) 2 and 3

    (d.) 3 only

    • Simple
    • Threaten species world over
    • 1 is incorrect as it’s about Endemism
    • 3rd is about protected sites
    1. Human activities in the recent past have Caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of :
    1. its escape into the outer stratosphere.
    2. the photosynthesis by phyto-plankton in the oceans.
    3. the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a.) 1 and 2

    (b.) 2 only

    (c.) 2 and 3

    (d.) 3 only

    • 2nd is obviously correct. Photosynthesis on oceans will reduce co2 from air
    • 1st statement is BS. air does not escape
    • 3rd, I am not sure, check the official key someone
    1. In the context of ecosystem productivity, marine upwelling zones are important as they increase the marine productivity by bringing the:
    1. decomposer microorganisms to the surface.
    2. nutrients to the surface.
    3. bottom-dwelling organisms to- the surface.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a.) 1 and 2

    (b.) 2 only

    (c.) 2 and 3

    (d.) 3 only

    • Sort of interval repeat
    • Upwelling leads to algal bloom – asked in the question above
    • Nutrient rich water comes on the surface
    • Organisms would remain where they are
    1. With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:
    1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
    2. Mining and Mineral Development (Regulation) Act, 1957
    3. Customs Act, 1962
    4. Indian Forest Act, 1927

    Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country?

    (a.) 1 and 3 only

    (b.) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c.) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    (d.) None of the above Acts

    • 4th is obvious
    • 1st would cover import and export of plants/animals/wood, CITES provision etc.
    • Include 1 and 4

    P.S. That completes analysis of last 5 years ecology portion.

    P.P.S. = Science and art and culture depending on time. Will try my best. No promises

  • UPSC Prelims : Environment and Ecology Analysis part 4

    Pre 2012

    1. Consider the following kinds of organisms :
    1. Bacteria
    2. Fungi
    3. Flowering plants

    Some species of which of the above kinds of organisms are employed as biopesticides?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    All of then can be depending on the properties of specific species

    1. Biomass gasification is considered to be one of the sustainable solutions to the power crisis in India. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Coconut shells, groundnut shells and rice husk can be used in biomass gasification.
    2. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification consist of hydrogen and carbon dioxide only.
    3. The combustible gases generated from biomass gasification can be used for direct heat generation but not in internal combustion engines.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • 2nd only, red flag, pause and think, why not other gases. Nitrogen is also part of biomass
    • 3rd not in internal combustible engines but new engines are supporting

    3. Consider the following areas:

    1. Bandipur
    2. Bhitarkanika
    3. Manas
    4. Sunderbans

    Which of the above are Tiger Reserves?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (d) l, 2, 3 and 4

    Bhutarkanika is a wetland famous for birds

    4. In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass?

    (a) Biosphere Reserves

    (b) National Parks

    (c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention

    (d) Wildlife Sanctuaries

    • Simple, ncert, titbit
    • No human interference allowed in national parks

    5. Consider the following kinds of organisms :

    1. Bat
    2. Bee
    3. Bird

    Which of the above is/are pollinating agent/agents?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    All. Birds/ fliers do pollinate

    6. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

    (b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

    (c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

    (d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

    • Asiatic wild ass question was asked year before.
    • Great Indian mustard also we know
    • Cheetal and blue bull can not be endangered
    • Saras also won’t be endangered
    • We got lucky in this question because of options

    7. Which of the following can be threats to the biodiversity of a geographical area?

    1. Global warming
    2. Fragmentation of habitat
    3. Invasion of alien species
    4. Promotion of vegetarianism

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • 1, 2 and 3 are obviously threats
    • Promotion of vegetarianism, seriously? Animals will not be killed for meat. But what about conversion of forests into agricultural fields?
    • Basically question from IPCC report which suggested world to shift to veg at least 2 days a week as non veg is very energy and water intensive
    • In fact beef is the most harmful to environment

    7. Consider the following :

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • Cheetah, we all know is extinct from India. So no question of it being naturally found
    • Exclude 2, reach the answer8/8

    8. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?

    1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
    2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
    3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
    4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.

    Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • Done in geography
    • How will cloud formation be affected

    9. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment describes the following major categories of ecosystem services-provisioning, supporting, regulating, preserving and cultural. Which one of the following is supporting service?

    (a) Production of food and water

    (b) Control of climate and disease

    (c) Nutrient cycling and crop pollination

    (d) Maintenance of diversity

    • 1 is not support – it’s provisioning of food and water, provisioning service
    • 2nd would be regulating services
    • 3rd also regulating

    10. What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

    1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.
    2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.
    3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • 1 is true – photosynthetic plant
    • 2 is true – any species gone – food chain adversely affected
    • 3rd – drastic decrease, exaggeration, pause and think

    11. What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems?

    1. It inactivates /kills the harmful microorganisms in water.
    2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water.
    3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • 2, all types of odour, red flag, pause and think. Wrong
    • 3rd is flocculation method of purifying water, that is what alom does

    12. Consider the following statements : Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting substances, are used

    1. in the production of plastic foams
    2. in the production of tubeless tyres
    3. in cleaning certain electronic components
    4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    • It’s not used in the production of tubeless tyres
    • Guess work would lead to making all 4, risky strategy

    13. Government of India encourages the cultivation of ‘sea buckthorn’. What is the importance of this plant?

    1. It helps in controlling soil erosion and in preventing desertification.
    2. It is a rich source of biodiesel.
    3. It has nutritional value and is well-adapted to live in cold areas of high altitudes.
    4. Its timber is of great commercial value.

    Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    It was in the news then as govt had launched a programme